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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Beneditx say can be seen in the eyes of a newborn?

2. Who ends up caring for Amara?

3. What are the men doing at the snow house?

4. What do Palinor's hands look like?

5. Why is Beneditx worried?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is Amara doing now and what does she gain by it?

2. What happened to Amara that put her into her present condition when brought back to the Abbey?

3. What does Joffre tell Palinor about Dolca?

4. What does Palinor tell Beneditx about the need to explain everything?

5. What about Gaspar and his life does Severo think of while he is riding to see Palinor?

6. For what is Beneditx noted?

7. What does Severo suggest to Beneditx?

8. Who rescues Palinor and how did they do it?

9. What does Severo think about as he falls asleep the first night of visiting Palinor and Beneditx?

10. What do Severo and Beneditx debate about and what are each of their views?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Severo's dream brings to light the role the Cardinal has played in Palinor's downfall. Severo easily could have let Palinor go, as the man clearly washed up on Grandinsula by accident, but Severo chose to detain Palinor, because he was interested in talking further with the atheist. What has happened to Palinor on Grandinsula is not a result of God's providence or God's hand, but of Severo's selfish desires.

1. Do you think it is Severo's fault that Palinor is being held? Why or why not?

2. Do you think Palinor should lie to save his life? Why or why not?

3. What would you do if you were in Severo's position? How about Palinor's?

Essay Topic 2

Palinor tells his entire story to the court, telling them that he rose to power through his achievements and respect of his fellow countrymen, attributes that are necessary to gain authority in the theocracy of Grandinsula.

1. From the above sentence and reading in the book what do you think a theocracy is and why would that form of government be a threat to the governing body on the island?

2. Discuss what do you think of a country where a man can become king through achievements and respect?

3. Do you think, given Palinor's background there is anyway for him to find common ground with those on the island? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Fra Murta believes a country without religion sounds horrible, as religious leaders believe people's belief in God is the only thing that keeps them from sinning. Palinor counters by saying that people also will abide by laws, because they make sense, again providing an alternate explanation for something Grandinsula's leaders previously have attributed only to God.

1. Do you think people obey the law in America because the law makes sense? Why or why not?

2. Do you think Palinor's statement about the law holds true for every person who lives in Aclar? Why or why not?

3. Why do you think the religious leaders have such little faith in men obeying the law?

(see the answer keys)

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